Signals My A**

Recently, I came across an article on inc.com by Dana Severson titled, 38 Things Every Entrepreneur Should Know. After reading the article I began to reflect on my own personal journey as an entrepreneur and came to realize that there is NO set system or true definition that can make you any more or any less successful. I speak for every entrepreneur when I say that at some point a professional in the ever so competitive business world will try or has tried to dictate what we as entrepreneurs should be doing and how we are supposed to do it in order to achieve a milestone, raise funding, or gain more interest (aka. “Signals”).

The truth is, I don’t believe that anyone can really tell you how to go about running or growing your business because it is not their dream or vision. Do not get me wrong, there is always room for advice and constructive criticism while growing and developing, but that does not necessarily mean that the advice must be taken or that it even pertains to what you are trying to accomplish based on your vision.

The most important keys to success in business is remaining positive, optimistic and realistic; continuing to work hard by doing everything you planned to do in order to get where you want to be and to keep moving forward if you truly believe in what you are trying to achieve.

I hope these lessons inspire you and open your mind as they have done for me. We must realize that there is no “cookie cutter” version of success. Have a look and let me know what lessons or points you would add by tweeting: @mybizon (your lesson/point) – things #entrepreneurs should know #BizON #myBizON

Stay motivated, stay inspired and never stop believing in what you have set out to accomplish.
 

1. Nobody cares about what you say, only what you do.
2. Funding is not the end, only the beginning.
3. Once you take on funding, the stress gets worse, not better.
4. Don’t beg for investment dollars. Someone’s paying to be your partner, not the other way around.
5. Arrogant and disrespectful investors will never be good partners. Ignore them.
6. Never, ever, ever, pay to pitch.
7. TechCrunch is overrated. Unless you sell to startups, it doesn’t do sh*t. It’s good for the ego, though.
8. Some people care only about people whom they think are popular. They’ll acknowledge you only when you appear to be more connected than they are. Get rid of these people.
9. Some people like you only for what you can do for them. Pay them no mind.
10. Accelerators are good only for funding and meeting new friends. Is that what 6 to 8 percent equity is worth to you?
11. Take a job if you have to. You will not lose your will to be an entrepreneur for doing so.
12. Take huge risks in your 20s. Take calculated risks in your 30s.
13. If you have an idea that keeps you up at night, do something with it. If not, it will always be only a dream.
14. It’s OK to be driven by money at first. Once you have it, you’ll find your true motivation.
15. Nontechies: If your tech co-founder says it’s going to take three months or more, she’s lying.
16. If your tech co-founder says she can’t use existing code, cut ties immediately.
17. If your nontech co-founder says he can’t sell X until you build Y, he’s making excuses for not working.
18. Sales are everything. Nothing else matters. Nothing.
19. Learn something new every day. One thing at least.
20. Write. Even if you don’t publish it.
21. Marketing isn’t luck. It’s hustle.
22. Press isn’t magic. It’s hustle.
23. Always partner up; never partner down.
24. Do something uncomfortable as often as you can.
25. Failing is part of growing. Very little of what you do is actually going to work. Embrace it.
26. “.com” is still the best domain you can get. It’s probably worth the price.
27. Things are never as bad as you imagine them to be.
28. It doesn’t matter where your startup resides. It’s only you that cares.
29. Tech conferences are a waste of time, but fun.
30. Working all night is unnecessary. In fact, it’s detrimental.
31. Work-life balance is a real thing and necessary to succeed.
32. Don’t wait until you “succeed” to start your family.
33. Stay competitive.
34. Talk to your customers every day.
35. Help every entrepreneur that you can.
36. Take every speaking opportunity you’re offered.
37. ASC–Always stay curious.
38. Exude confidence and success. It translates.

On behalf of Nunzio Presta, From The Desk of BizON
Health. Happiness. Family. Success.

Remember, if you are interested in buying or selling a business or franchise please sign up for free and join our growing community by clicking here!